When laying tiles on a wall or floor, it is of great importance which adhesives are used. For porcelain stoneware - this is one type, for wall tiles made of white or red clay - another. The difference is in the constituent components. In the dry state, adhesives for porcelain stoneware are a sand-cement mixture with water-soluble polymers in certain proportions. Due to these components, the plasticity and viscosity of the mass are ensured, as well as the adhesion of the material.
Modern high-quality adhesives for porcelain tiles are characterized by high technical and operational indicators, such as resistance to temperature changes, moisture resistance, frost resistance, ductility, adhesion strength and high adhesion. The difference between the choice of adhesive mass for
floor tiles and wall
tiles is that porcelain stoneware has a low water absorption threshold, therefore the so-called cement milk does not absorb into the pores of the tile, and voids will form between the surfaces over time. And this, in turn, will lead to cracking and lagging of the tile from the floor surface. Therefore, this issue should be approached seriously.
The successful laying of floor tiles and a long service life largely depend on the preparation of the base, as well as on which glues for porcelain stoneware you use. Even on the packaging with the mixture it is always prescribed that it is correct to work only with a flat, pre-primed surface. Important advice: before buying, consult with the seller of the tiles, specify the technical characteristics of the selected material, and also take into account the features of the area in which you will be laying (indoors or outdoors). Glue for porcelain stoneware, the price of which varies depending on the constituent components, plays a big role in how long the selected floor cladding can last. Therefore, buying expensive tiles with high technical indicators, do not skimp on the corresponding adhesive material.
Glue consumption for porcelain tile is easy to calculate. Since floor tiles are subject to constant loads, there is an unwritten rule: the thickness of the adhesive layer is equal to the thickness of the laid tiles. Also, the expense is written on the packaging with the mixture.
Glues for porcelain tiles, which will be laid on a warm floor, must have the following properties:
- Elasticity.
- Increased adhesion to the base.
- The ability to equalize voltage that occurs due to temperature differences.
Tip: before turning on the floor heating, wait for the adhesive to dry completely.
In the case when laying is carried out in complicated operating conditions (outdoors, in a technical room, etc.), it is better to use two-component adhesives for porcelain stoneware. They are more resistant to temperature and humidity. And this contributes to the durability and longer life of the selected coating.
For laying tiles on wood, metal, plastic and the like, use glues for porcelain stoneware on a polyurethane or epoxy basis.